From
www.thedailystar.net

Vision for Bangladesh
Sports Reporter

A five-day seminar on 'Vision Asia -- Pilot Project' began in the city yesterday to assist the country in developing its football to international standards under an intensive programme.

Top-ranking officials of the world body FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are taking part in the deliberations being held at the Sheraton Hotel.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Mohammad Fazlur Rahman addressed the inaugural function as chief guest. State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haque Milan, AFC president Mohammed Bin Hamman and BFF president SA Sultan also spoke on the occasion.

Fazlur Rahman thanked the AFC president for including Bangladesh in Vision Asia and said that the country now entered a new era of developing soccer.

The proceedings began with AFC general secretary Dato' Peter Velappan making a video presentation.

The ambitious Vision Asia project was launched in September 2002 after Hammam was elected AFC president. He believed that the continent could attain world standards in football through appropriate planing.

"We had conducted hundreds of courses but there was no outcome, there was no track record and follow up as well. We also funded national associations for coaching and development but without result. But this time we have come up with a complete package.

"So we need a proper plan for each national association so that the activities continue despite the change of leadership in those associations," he said.

The AFC supremo explaining the strategy behind the Vision that since Asia is the largest in terms of population, so they want to develop grassroots football in the region.

For this purpose, he said the AFC has selected eight Asian countries -- China, Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Replying to a query, Hamman said three millions dollars would be spent for the pilot project in those countries over the next ten years.

The Vision Asia will work on eleven elements -- administration, marketing, coach education, youth development, refereeing, sports medicine, competitions, women's football, futsal, media and fans.

The historic 'Vision Asia Pilot' programme for Asia was launched first in China last November. Experts from UEFA, England and Germany are helping to make it a success.

The 25-member Vision Asia team have held a programme in Hong King and India before coming to Bangladesh on Sunday.

This morning the high-powered delegation will meet officials of the district sports associations (DSAs) and football clubs based in the capital.